Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, is among eight grounds that have failed to meet the FUFA club licensing requirements ahead of the 2026/27 Uganda Premier League season.
The development comes just five weeks before the new campaign kicks off on August 28, 2026, leaving clubs that use the venue, including KCCA FC and NEC FC, facing the possibility of finding alternative home grounds.
According to a report seen by SportsNation Uganda, Lugogo Stadium failed the assessment due to several concerns, including the poor state of its artificial playing surface.
The report notes that the artificial turf has significantly worn out and deteriorated to a poor condition, with particular concern raised over the goal areas, which are considered dangerous and pose a serious injury risk to players.
The stadium’s technical benches were also found not to meet the required standards, while the floodlights failed to reach the required threshold. The assessment showed an average illumination of 503 lux, below the minimum level stipulated in the stadium regulations.
Government has so far invested Shs16 billion in the first two phases of the stadium redevelopment, works that were undertaken by Sarjan Construction. Completed sections include the main stands, players’ and coaches’ facilities, as well as other supporting infrastructure.
KCCA FC has previously indicated that about Shs55 billion is required to complete the stadium to national and continental standards, leaving a funding gap of approximately Shs39.4 billion.
The playing surface remains the biggest challenge. The current artificial turf, installed 10 years ago, expired in January 2026, and officials have insisted that replacing it is necessary to guarantee player safety and compliance for competitive matches.
KCCA is seeking about Shs3.7 billion to install a new FIFA-standard artificial turf that would allow the facility to host top-flight and continental fixtures.
Other stadiums that failed the licensing requirements include Bugonga Fisheries Ground (Entebbe UPPC), Luzira Prisons Ground (Maroons), Royals Park Buteme (Kitara), Kigezi Al-Madina Ground (Kigezi HomeBoyz), Mbale Municipal Stadium (Kataka), Bombo Barracks Ground (UPDF), and Ebenezer University Ground (Blacks Power).
Meanwhile, the FUFA Licensing Committee has approved seven stadiums for use in the 2026/27 Uganda Premier League season.
St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, home of defending champions Vipers SC, is among the approved venues, alongside Ham Stadium, Nakivubo, which will host Express FC and URA FC.
Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, where SC Villa will play their home matches this season, has also been cleared.
Other approved grounds are Kira Police Arena for Police FC and Ntugasaze FC, Lugazi Stadium for Lugazi FC, the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru for BUL FC, and Rwamwanja Stadium for Mbarara City.
Post a comment